NL2020908B1

NL2020908B1 - Method and system for automatic placement of a lid on a box

Info

Publication number: NL2020908B1
Application number: NL2020908A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Koppert Michael
Original assignee: Freshtech Solutions B V
Priority date: 2018-05-09
Filing date: 2018-05-09
Publication date: 2019-11-18

Abstract

A system for automatically placing a lid on a box, the box comprising a plurality of walls, including a front wall facing, when the box is moving through the system, a conveying direction of the box and a rear wall opposite to the front wall, and an open top, includes box conveying means for conveying the box along the conveying direction through the system, lid conveying means for conveying the lid through the system, guiding means for receiving the lid from the lid conveying means in an unfolded state and for guiding the lid to be placed in a tilted position on a plane defined by the open top of the box when the box is being conveyed through the box conveying means, so that the tilted lid is placed closerto the front wall of the boxthan to the rear wall, first pressing means for exerting a pressure on the rear wall of the box when the box is being conveyed through the box conveying means, and second pressing means for exerting a pressure on an outer side ofthe lid after the lid has been placed on the open top ofthe box to move the lid from the tilted position into a position parallel to the plane defined by the open top of the box.

Description

Field of the invention [0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for automatically placing a lid on a box.

Background art [0002] Methods and systems for manufacturing boxes and for automatically provisioning a box with produce are sometimes used. Some of these systems provide boxes which are manufactured in one piece with a lid formed contiguously with a box blank, so that different parts of the box blank can be folded to form the box, and after the produce is provided inside the box, the lid is folded to 10 finalize the closing of the box. Some other systems use boxes which are provided with a separate lid. In these systems, a box is provided with produce and a lid is provided separately and placed over the open box. This may be done by providing a lid blank on the open box, and subsequently folding the sides of the blank so that it closes the box. This may also be done by providing a lid already in an unfolded (open) position so that it can then be fit with its sides surrounding the box.

This last approach may be difficult to implement for several reasons. One of them is that a complex system is required because the lid needs to be placed exactly in the right position to fit the box. This has as a consequence that a continuous system is difficult to implement because the process can be rather slow. Another reason is that it becomes cumbersome to perfectly make a lid fit a box because the space between the box outer wall and the lid inner wall is rather small, and mistakes 20 are likely to occur due to the precision needed.

[0003] There is therefore a need for a system and method for providing a lid to a box which is reliable, simple and allows for a continuous performance.

Summary of the invention [0004] It is an object of the present invention to solve at least the problems identified above.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a system for automatically placing a lid on a box is provided, the box comprising a plurality of walls, including a front wall facing, when the box is moving through the system, a conveying direction of the box and a rear wall opposite to the front wall, and an open top, the system comprising box conveying means for conveying the box along the conveying direction through the system; lid conveying means for conveying the lid through the system; guiding means 30 for receiving the lid from the lid conveying means in an unfolded state and for guiding the lid to be placed in a tilted position on a plane defined by the open top of the box when the box is being conveyed through the box conveying means, so that the tilted lid is placed closer to the front wall of the box than to the rear wall; first pressing means for exerting a pressure on the rear wall of the box; and second pressing means for exerting a pressure on an outer side of the lid afterthe lid has 35 been placed on the open top of the box to move the lid from the tilted position into a position parallel to the plane defined by the open top of the box.

[0006] The present invention efficiently provides a system which allows a lid to be placed on a box in an accurate and yet simple manner, while allowing for a continuous process. This is because the

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-2guiding means allows the lid to be placed in an intermediate location before it is placed on the box, in such a way that the lid is already in a tilted position, ready to fit the box when it arrives through the box conveying means. Additionally, the first and second pressing means cooperate with the guiding means, because the first pressing means exerts a pressure on the rear wall of the box, the rear wall may be deformed inwardly, and the second pressing means exerts a pressure on the outer part of the lid, and in this way the lid is moved from the tilted position to a position parallel to the plane defined by the open top of the box, therefore accurately closing the box with the lid.

[0007] A box according to the present invention may be a cardboard box, a corrugated cardboard box, a corrugated fibre board box, a solid board box, a plastic board box, a foam board box, an organic board box (made of organic fibres) or a box of any other suitable material, preferably an elastic material which can be deformed and can then recover its original shape. The box may be filled with produce such as food, for example vegetables, including fresh vegetables.

[0008] Throughout the description, a lid in an unfolded state may be considered equivalent to a lid in an open state, that is, a state in which it is ready to be placed on a box, with the walls forming an angle with the top of the lid, such as being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the top of the lid.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the guiding means is configured to first fit a front wall of the lid onto a top portion of the front wall of the box, and the first pressing means and the second pressing means are configured to cooperate to fit the remaining walls of the lid onto the rear wall and the side walls of the box.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the first pressing means is configured to deform the rear wall of the box when exerting the pressure. In that way, the rear wall of the box may be deformed inwardly, for the purpose of easier fitting of the lid on the box.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the guiding means comprises two guiding elements located respectively at opposite sides of the box conveying means at a distance from each other smaller than the width of the lid and larger (bigger) than the width of the box.

[0012] Throughout this description, opposite sides of the box conveying means can be interpreted as located on a left and right side with respect to the conveying direction along which the box conveying means conveys the box. The width of the lid should be interpreted as the length of the front and rear walls of the lid, the front wall being the one facing a conveying direction and the rear wall being opposite to the front wall. The length of the lid should be interpreted as the length of the side walls. This nomenclature is also to be interpreted similarly for the box.

[0013] According to an embodiment, each of the two guiding elements of the guiding means comprises a first part extending parallel to the conveying direction of the box and in a plane forming a specific angle with the plane of the surface of the box conveying means. That is, the first part extends along a longitudinal direction with respect to the box conveying means and in a plane at an angle, for example perpendicular, with respect to the plane of the surface of the box conveying means.

[0014] According to an embodiment, each of the two guiding elements of the guiding means comprises a second part attached to a top edge of the first part and substantially perpendicular to

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-3the first part, for example forming an L-shape. The “top” edge should be interpreted as the edge following a top direction, which is defined as the direction from the box conveying means through the box and upwards.

[0015] According to an embodiment, each of the two guiding elements has a length largerthan the length of the lid, and the two guiding elements are configured to receive the lid so that at the front end of the guiding elements the joints between the front wall and side walls of the lid surround the guiding elements, and the backwall of the lid does not reach the back end of the guiding elements. [0016] According to an embodiment, the first pressing means comprises at least one lug (bolt) which is located on the box con veying means. This lug may exert pressure on the rear wall of the box so as to deform it inwardly, creating an opening and thus facilitating the closure of the box with the lid. According to an embodiment, the first pressing means comprises two lugs located on the box conveying means, next to each other being spaced apart a predetermined distance, and forming a line perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying means. This allows the lugs to also keep the box in position, following the conveying direction. According to an embodiment, the first pressing means comprises three lugs, or more than three lugs. A lug should be interpreted as an element that can be placed on the box conveying means and can exert a pressure on the rear wall of the box.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the second pressing means is located above the box conveying means and ahead of the guiding means in the conveying direction, at a height with respect to the box conveying means such that the second pressing means is allowed to contact and press the lid as the box moves in order to completely close the box. The second pressing means should be located at a height such that it can contact the lid and press it to fit the box. According to an embodiment, the second pressing means comprises at least one wheel supported by a bar and an attaching element, wherein the attaching element comprises resilient means so as to allow the at least one wheel to, in operation, move in a vertical direction. This allows the wheel to move up and down, therefore adapting to the height at which the lid comes into contact with the wheel, and allowing it to then press the lid in order to effectively close the box. According to an embodiment, the second pressing means comprises, instead of the wheel or additionally, a holding down bar, a pressing spoon, a guiding and pressing hook, or the second pressing means may comprise any other element which is able to press the lid downwardly.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the box conveying means comprises a conveyor belt. This is however not limiting, and any other suitable box conveying means that allow a box to be moved in a conveying direction can also be used.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the lid conveying means comprises a lid collecting means and a lid unfolding means, wherein the lid collecting means is configured to provide a lid in a folded state and the lid unfolding means is configured to unfold the lid and place it on the guiding means. [0020] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for automatically placing a lid on a box, the box comprising a plurality of walls, including a front wall facing, when the box is moving through the system, a conveying direction of the box and a rear wall opposite the front wall, and an open top, the method comprising the steps of providing the box along a conveying direction through

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-4the system by box conveying means; providing, by a lid conveying means, the lid in an unfolded state on guiding means in a tilted position on a plane defined by the open top of the box; when the box is being conveyed through the box conveying means, placing the tilted lid onto the open top of the box so that the lid is closer to the front wall of the box than to the rear wall; and moving the lid from the tilted position into a position parallel to the plane defined by the open top of the box by first pressing means exerting a pressure on the rear wall of the box and by second pressing means exerting a pressure on an outer side of the lid.

[0021] According to an embodiment, exerting a pressure on the rear wall of the box by the first pressing means comprises deforming the rear wall of the box.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the guiding means comprises two guiding elements located respectively at opposite sides of the box conveying means at a distance from each other smaller than the width of the lid and larger (bigger) than the width of the box.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the first pressing means comprises at least one lug located on the box conveying means.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the second pressing means is located above the box conveying means and ahead of the guiding means in the conveying direction, at a height with respect to the box conveying means such that the second pressing means is allowed to contact and press the lid as the box moves in order to completely close the box.

Brief description of the drawings [0025] The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system according to the present invention. [0027] Fig. 2a shows a close-up side view of a system according to the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 2b shows a close-up top view of a system according to the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 2c shows a close-up rear view of a system according to the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 3a depicts a perspective close-up view of a system according to the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 3b depicts a close-up side view of a system according to the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 3c depicts a close-up top view of a system according to the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a front view of a system according to the present invention [0034] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.

Detailed description [0035] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system according to the present invention. The system 10 of Fig. 1 comprises box conveying means 20, lid conveying means 30, and box closing means. The box conveying means 20 of Fig. 1 is configured to, in operation, receive boxes 40, which may be filled with produce, to convey them into the system so that lids 42 can be placed onto the boxes, and to convey the closed boxes outside of the system. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 this is achieved by means of a box conveying means comprising a conveyor belt, but other suitable

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-5conveying means may also be used. The lid conveying means 30 comprises lid collecting means 32 (not visible in Fig. 1, but visible in Fig. 4) configured to collect a lid in a folded position, lid unfolding means 36 which is configured to receive a lid 42 in a folded position (with its walls being inwardly or outwardly folded to form a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the top of the lid), and to unfold the lid 42 and bring it to the box closing means. A top and down direction can be considered to follow the direction z as shown in Fig. 1. The direction given by direction y in Fig. 1 indicates the direction that the box conveying means follows. The direction given by x in Fig. 1 indicates the direction that follows the width of the box conveying means. This coordinates should also be interpreted similarly throughout the rest of the figures. The box closing means comprises first pressing means 12 (not shown in Fig. 1), second pressing means 14 and guiding means 18. The first pressing means 12 is configured to exert a pressure on the rear wall of the box as it moves along the conveying means. The guiding means 18 is configured to receive the unfolded lid and to place it in a tilted position on the box, and the second pressing means 14 is configured to exert pressure on the outer part of the lid after it has been placed on the box, to help the lid move forward and move it from the tilted position to a position parallel to the open top of the box, thereby closing the box. As a box 40 moves along the box conveying means 20, and it reaches the location of the guiding means 18 where the lid 42 is placed in a tilted position, an upper section of the front wall of the box 40 will come into contact with a front wall of the lid 42 and the forward movement of the box 40 will pull the lid 42 forward as well. With the help of the second pressing means 14 the lid will move out of the guiding means 18 and will change from the tilted position to a position forming a plane parallel to the plane formed by the open top of the box. The plane formed by the open top of the box is a plane formed by an imaginary sheet placed on top of the box, contacting the top part of the sides of the box, and it is a plane usually parallel to the plane formed by the base of the box. The first pressing means 12 exerting a pressure on the rear wall of the box will also cooperate with the second pressing means 14 to allow the lid 42 to achieve the position where it closes the box 40. The different parts of the box closing means will be explained in more detail with reference to the subsequent figures.

[0036] Fig. 2a shows a close-up side view of a system according to the present invention, Fig. 2b shows a close-up top view of a system according to the present invention, and Fig. 2c shows a close-up rear view of a system according to the present invention. In Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c the first pressing means 12 can be seen from different perspectives. In Fig. 2a it can be seen that first pressing means 12 may be placed at several locations along the box conveying means 20, and they thus move as the box conveying means 20 moves. The first pressing means not only is configured to press the rear wall of the box 40, but also to avoid that the box moves backwards as the conveying means moves forward during operation, and to keep the box in position in the box conveying means. The boxes 40 are provided to the box conveying means in such a way that they are placed ahead (in a conveying direction) and in contact with the first pressing means 12. The first pressing means may comprise at least one lug or bolt, such as a plurality of lugs or bolts, as depicted in Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c. In Figs. 2b and 2c it is shown that at different locations along the box conveying means 20, two lugs 12a and 12b can be placed, forming a line perpendicular to the

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-6conveying direction of the box. The two lugs 12a and 12b separated from each otherform an inward deformation of the box which facilitates the lid 42 and the box 40 to fit. The two lugs are spaced apart from each other a specific distance such that both lugs can contact the rear wall of the box 40. Although Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c show sets of two lugs being located at different positions on the box conveying means, also one lug can be placed at each location, for example at the center position between the sides of the box conveying means. Similarly, more than two lugs may be used, such as three or more. It should also be clear for the skilled person that other pressing means different from lugs may be used, as long as they exert a pressure on the rear wall of the box.

[0037] Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c also show the guiding means 18 and the second pressing means 14. However, these elementswill be described in more detail with respect to Fig. 3.

[0038] Fig. 3a depicts a perspective close-up view of a system according to the present invention, Fig. 3b depicts a close-up side view of a system according to the present invention, and Fig. 3c depicts a close-up top view of a system according to the present invention.

[0039] With respect to Fig. 3a, the guiding means 18 can be seen. This guiding means may comprise two guiding elements, each located at one side of the box conveying means 20, opposite to each other. Each of these guiding elements may be placed so that they extend in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the box conveying means 20 and in a plane forming a specific angle with respect to the plane formed by the surface of the box conveying means 20. This angle may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular. The guiding elements may be spaced apart from each other a distance which is larger than the width of the box 40, preferably only slightly larger, and which is smaller than the width of the lid 42, preferably only slightly smaller, so that the box 40 can move in between the guiding elements as close as possible to the guiding elements, and the lid 42 can be placed on the guiding elements being as close as possible to the box 40.

[0040] The guiding elements conforming the guiding means 18 may also comprise different parts. A first part 18a of each guiding element may be a sheet of for example a rectangular shape, and may extend in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the box conveying means 20 and in a plane perpendicular to the plane formed by the surface of the box conveying means 20. It may have a height which is larger than the height (indicated as H in the figure) of the box 40, and a length which is larger than the length (L) of the box 40. An advantage of the height of the first part being larger than the height of the box is that the lid 42 can rest on top of the first part 18a without it touching the box 40 except from the front part in which the box 40 and the lid 42 engage. For the sake of clarity, H in the figure represents the height of the box, L represents the length of the box, and W represents the width of the box. When the description describes a height/length/width of the lid or a height/length/width of the guiding elements, it should be interpreted that they follow the same directions as indicated in the figure. The guiding elements may also comprise a second part 18b. The second part 18b of each guiding element may also be a sheet of for example a rectangular shape, and may be attached to one side, usually the top side of the first part 18a, also extending in a direction parallel to the conveying direction, but in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the surface of the box conveying means 20, that is, in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the first part 18a. The first part 18a and the second part 18b may thus form an inverted L-shape profile when

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-7placed on the system 10. The second part 18b may have a length similar to that of the first part 18a. The width of the second part 18b may be smallerthan its length, or it may have a width that extends such that the second parts 18b of each guiding element come together and form a surface on which the lid can rest. If the second part 18b is present, it improves the guiding effect, because it ensures that when the lid 42 is placed on the guiding means 18, it does not fall between the two guiding elements on to the box conveying means 20, and it is hooked at the front sides of the guiding elements in the L-shaped structure, and the second pat 18b also prevents the lid 42 from damaging when placed in the guiding means 18.

[0041] Each of the guiding elements may also comprise a third part, 18c, which may be also of a rectangular shape, attached to a rear part of the first part 18a, and extending in substantially the same plane, or in a plane forming an angle with the plane of the first part, the third part 18c ensuring that a rear wall of the lid 42 does not reach the end of the guiding means 18 and hence ensures that the lid 42 keeps the tilted position while placed on the guiding means. The shape of the guiding means 18 and the length, height and width of the parts conforming the guiding elements can be determined to be such that the lid is placed at a specific angle that is enough for the box to effectively move the lid forward while making it move from the tilted position.

[0042] Figs. 3a-3c also show the second pressing means 14. In the embodiment of Figs. 3a-3b, the second pressing means comprises two wheels 15 spaced apart from each other, a bar 16 connecting the two wheels, and an attaching element 17 for attaching the wheels and the bar to the structure of the system 10, more specifically to the sides of the box conveying means 20. The elements conforming the second pressing means 14 may be located ahead (in the conveying direction) of the guiding means 18 in the box conveying means 20, but in close proximity so as to help the lid 42 move forward and completely close the box 40 when the box is being conveyed and in its movement its front wall comes into contact with the front wall of the tilted lid 42, thereby moving the lid 42 forward. The attaching element 17 may have a height such that it allows the wheels 15 to contact the lid 42 when it is received from the guiding means 18 and to press it to close the box 40. The attaching element 17 may comprise a resilient element in a section which connects to the bar 16. This resilient element may allow the bar 16 to move in order for the wheels 15 to adapt to the location where the lid 42 is received. This also allows each wheel to move independently and therefore allows for a correction of the position of the lid 42 when it is received from the guiding means 18, so that the lid 42 can be received at different angles and the second pressing means will correct its position. The resilient element may be a spring, or any other suitable element.

[0043] The second pressing means 14 may thus allow the lid 42 to move forward from the guiding means 18 and to move downwards towards the box 40 to close the same.

[0044] Although the embodiments represented in the figures comprise two wheels, it should be noted that one wheel could also be used, and also more than two wheels.

[0045] It should also be noted that other second pressing means can be used, which do not comprise wheels, such as a holding down bar, a pressing spoon, a guiding and pressing hook, or the like, as long as they do not damage the surface of the box 40.

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-8[0046] Fig. 4 shows a front view of a system according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a lid conveying means 30, comprising lid collecting means 32 and lid unfolding means 36. The lid collecting means 32 is configured to collect a lid 42 in a folded position, which may be located in a pile 35 or stack of lids placed next to the system 10, or at both sides of the system 10. It is advantageous that the piled lids are in a folded position as this optimizes space and allows that more lids are piled in a specific space. The lid collecting means 32 may comprise a robotic arm 33 comprising at least one suction cup at the end part, in order to exert suction on the folded lid 42 and move the lid 42 to the system. The lid unfolding means 36 is configured to receive the lid 42 in a folded position from the lid collecting means 32, and to unfold the lid and bring it to the box closing means. The lid 42 may be unfolded by means of a mechanical structure comprising mechanical arms 37, which are movable along a drive system 38. The mechanical arms 37 may comprise two mechanical arms 37a and 37b, and may comprise respective pivotable elongated guides 39, and the mechanical arms 37a, 37b may move along the drive system 38 away from and towards each other, with the elongated guides 39 parallel to a plane formed by the lid 42 when placed on the elongated guides. Once the lid is placed on the elongated guides 39, the elongated guides pivot and in the pivoting movement they unfold the lid 42. The lid unfolding means 36 is configured to then move towards the box conveying means 20 and place the unfolded lid 42 on the guiding means 18. For this, the drive system 38 as well as the mechanical arms 37a, 37b with the elongated guides 39 are moved towards the guiding means 18. The mechanical arms may comprise electric motors programmable to adapt the movement of the mechanical arms to the specific requirements of speed and distance.

[0047] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

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-9LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS [0048] Similar reference numbers that have been used in the description to indicate similar elements (but differing only in the hundreds) have been omitted from the list below, but should be considered implicitly included.

[0049]	System	10
[0050]	First pressing means	12
[0051]	Second pressing means	14
[0052]	Wheel	15
[0053]	Bar	16
[0054]	Attaching element	17
[0055]	Guiding means	18
[0056]	Box conveying means	20
[0057]	Lid conveying means	30
[0058]	Lid collecting means	32
[0059]	Robotic arm	33
[0060]	Pile of lids	35
[0061]	Lid unfolding means	36
[0062]	Mechanical arm	37
[0063]	Drive system	38
[0064]	Elongated guide	39
[0065]	Box	40
[0066]	Lid	42

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Claims

Conclusions

A system (10) for automatically placing a lid (42) on a box (40), the box comprising a plurality of walls, including a front wall which, when the box moves through the system, faces a transport direction of the box and a rear wall opposite the front wall, and an open top, the system comprising:

a box transport means (20) for transporting the box (40) in the transport direction through the system (10);

a lid transport means (30) for transporting the lid (42) through the system;

a guide means (18) for receiving the lid from the lid transport means in an unfolded position, wherein in the unfolded position walls of the lid form a right angle with a top of the lid, and for guiding the lid around it in such a way placing a tilted position on a plane defined by the open top of the box as the box moves through the box transport means (20) so that the tilted lid is placed closer to the front wall of the box (40) than the rear wall;

a first pressure means (12) for applying pressure to the rear wall of the box (40) when the box is transported by the box transport means (20); and a second pressure means (14) for exerting pressure on an outside of the lid (42) after the lid is placed on the open top of the box (40), to move the lid from the tilted position to a position parallel to the plane defined by moving the open top of the box.

The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the conduit means (18) is configured to first fit a front wall of the lid (42) to an upper area of the front wall of the box (40), and the first pressure means (12 ) and second pressure means (14) are configured to then fit the remaining walls of the lid to the rear wall and side walls of the box.

The system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pressing means (12) is configured to deform the back wall of the box (40) when pressure is being applied.

A system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit means (18) comprises two conduit elements located on opposite sides of the box transport means, spaced apart by a width smaller than the width of the lid (42) ) and is larger than the width of the box (40).

The system (10) of claim 4, wherein each of the two conduit elements of the conduit means comprises a first portion (18a) that extends parallel to the direction of transport of the box and in a plane that is a specific angle with the plane of the forms the surface of the box transport means.

The system (10) of claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the two conduit elements of the conduit means comprises a second portion (18b) that is attached to an upper edge of the first portion (18a) and is substantially perpendicular to the first part.

The system (10) of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each of the two conduit elements has a length greater than the length of the lid (42), and wherein the two conduit elements are configured to receive the lid such that at the front end of the conduit elements the connecting pieces between the front wall and side walls of the lid surround the conduit elements, and the rear wall of the lid does not reach the rear end of the conduit elements.

A system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first pressure means (12) comprises at least one valve (12a) located on the box transport means (20).

A system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second pressure means (14) is above the box transport means (20) and in front of the conduit means (18) in the direction of transport, at such a height with respect to the box transport means that the second pressure means is allowed to touch and press the lid (42) as the box (40) moves to completely close the box.

System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second pressure means (14) comprises at least one wheel (15) supported by a rod (16) and a fastening element (17), the fastening element ( 17) spring-backed elements to allow the at least one wheel to move, in operation, in a vertical direction.

The system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box transport means (20) comprises a conveyor belt.

A system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid transport means (30) comprises a lid retrieval means (32) and a lid fold open means (36), wherein the lid retrieval means is configured to hold a lid (42) in a folded position and the lid unfold means is configured to unfold the lid and place the lid on the conduit means (18).

A method for automatically placing a lid (42) on a box (40), the box comprising a plurality of walls, including a front wall which, when the box moves through the system, faces a transport direction of the box and a rear wall opposite the front wall, and an open top, the method comprising the following steps:

- providing the box by the transport direction through the system (10) by box transport means (20);

- providing, by lid transport means (30), the lid in an unfolded position on guide means (18) in a tilted position on a plane defined by the open top of the box, wherein in the unfolded position walls of the lid are at a right angle molds with a top of the lid;

- when the box is moving through the box transport means, placing the tilted lid on the open top of the box such that the lid is closer to the front wall of the box (40) than the rear wall; and

- moving the lid from the tilted position to a position parallel to the plane defined by the open top of the box by a first pressure means (12) exerting pressure on the rear wall of the box and by a second pressure means exerting pressure on an outside of the lid.

The method of claim 13, wherein applying pressure to the back wall of the box (40) by the first pressing means (12) comprises deforming the back wall of the box.

A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the conduit means (18) comprises two conduit elements which are respectively located on opposite sides of the box transport means, spaced apart by a width smaller than the width of the lid (42) and greater than the width of the box (40).

The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first pressure means (12) comprises at least one valve (12a) located on the box transport means (20).

A method according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the second pressure means (14) is above the box transport means (20) and in front of the conduit means (18) in the direction of transport, at such a height with respect to the box transport means that the second pressure means is allowed to touch and press the lid (42) as the box (40) moves to completely close the box.